essentialism: achieve more by doing less.

05/02/2017

Today, I had a difficult yet insightful conversation with a co-worker. We discussed understanding the potential everyone has to be amazing.

I have written previous posts about saying no and work, life and organization… but this conversation was truly eye-opening and emotional, which is why I felt I had to share this simple tool to help you (my lovely readers), gain insight.

It began with essentialism, a pursuit of achieving more by doing less and understanding your “why?”

I became emotional while talking with my co-worker, when I realized there are some commitments I have to let go of in order to grow, learn and move forward with new ideas and new passions.

My “why?” has changed.

I drew two diagrams. Diagram #1 outlines how my time is currently being utilized and diagram #2 mirrors the first, but outlines how I WANT to spend my time.

Diagram #2

It is quite visible on the second diagram where my passions truly lie and oddly enough it was not difficult to get there.

When I stood back and saw the two images side-by-side it began to resonated with me what truly brings me joy. The second diagram also challenges me to make those tough decisions.

Recently, I had to say “no” to something I was passionate and excited about, because I did not have time. As an individual looking in from the outside, my co-worker saw this before I was willing to admit it.

Everyone’s diagrams will look different, more/less commitments, different kind of commitments and priorities, but in the end the ultimate question which needs to be answered is: “What do you want to achieve?”

My goal is to achieve the second diagram by the end of July. It may happen sooner than that, but I want to give myself a realistic timeframe.

Today was all about answering the difficult questions! Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself.